Dax Shepard declines PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian award

Actor and his wife, actress Kristen Bell, received the honor this week. But there's only one problem: He's no longer vegetarian.

Hollywood couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell were recently surprised by PETA with the organization's annual "Sexiest Celebrity Vegetarian" award. But in a tweet to the group yesterday, Shepard turned down the honor, revealing that he's no longer abstaining from meat.

"I'm really flattered to be named 'Sexiest Vegetarian' with @IMKristenBell, but sadly I can't accept in good conscience because I eat chicken," he wrote. "I was vegan for a year, but that ended 6 months ago. I aspire to be more like @IMKristenBell, but I'm not there yet."

"We're delighted to recognize Kristen Bell as our Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity," the animal rights group said in a statement. "She sets a wonderful example of kindness to animals and healthy living to her countless fans, including Dax! We love Dax, and we're glad to read that he's aspiring to be more like Kristen. We are here to help with recipes and our vegetarian starter kit, and we'll be sending the couple a delicious gift basket of Beyond Meat and Gardein veggie chicken products."

Shepard likely became a frontrunner for the award, which has been won by the likes of Tobey Maguire and Woody Harrelson, after revealing in September 2012 that he had been a vegan for more than eight months.

“It’s nothing like the pill in 'The Matrix' but damn good, like 15 percent across the board in every respect," he told Playboy. "I sleep 15 percent better. My allergies are at least 15 percent better. I have fewer body aches. My skin looks better. I’m never starving, and I never need to ride the couch feeling completely full and disgusting.”

Check out all of this year's nominees. (Former President Bill Clinton apparently came in a close second.)

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